READ: Ezekiel 47,48; Psalms 146; 1 Peter 2
SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 2: 1 Therefore,
rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of
every kind.
2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up
in your salvation,
3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
OBSERVATION: Human growth is a
progressive process that takes place between birth and maturity. As a baby
grows, it has constant and irreversible growth, depending on genetic,
nutritional, and environmental factors. A child’s growth velocity is maximum
during infancy and adolescence. However, the human body does not grow after
attaining a certain age. Human spiritual life and growth is also a process with
many similarities and unique differences from human growth. Here, Apostle Peter writes to those who were born again “through
the living and enduring word of God,” those who purified themselves by “obeying
the truth” (1 Peter 1: 22-23). Like a baby requires growth, these Christians
must grow in their spiritual lives.
“Therefore,” Peter exhorts them to
get rid of “all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every
kind.” These ungodly things are unworthy to be in a Christian’s life. Then,
Peter says that pure spiritual milk is necessary for a person’s spiritual
growth. Here, “pure spiritual milk” refers to the unadulterated and undiluted
word of God. Christians should “crave” for the word of God, “like newborn
babies.” The word of God is more desirable and beneficial than any food that we
like it most. When a child refuses to eat, a mother will make the child taste the
food by putting a small quantity in its mouth. Peter brings the same scene here
to encourage the new Christians to desire the Word of God; he reminds them they
have tasted that the Lord is good. Unlike human growth, whatever our age may
be, we can continue to grow in our spiritual lives in Christ.
Many Christians think that they do
not need to do anything after they have accepted the Lord Jesus as their savior.
To remain and grow in our salvation, we must nourish and enrich our spiritual
lives with the Word of God. Let us examine ourselves: Do we grow in our spiritual
lives? Do we crave for the Word of God? There
will be no growth in our Christian spiritual lives if we do not give the proper
place for the Word of God. John Bunyan says, “Sin will keep you from this book,
or this book will keep you from sin.” Many Christians are not able to stand
against worldly temptations because they are not strengthened by the Word of
God. Do we read and crave for the Word of God every day and grow in the
nourishment it gives us? Let us discern and correct ourselves.
APPLICATION: The Word of God
renews my mind and refreshes my soul. God’s word warns me and protects me from
sinning. The Word of God gives me the strength to stand against evil; it is the
sword of the Spirit. Every day, I need God’s word to live and grow in my
spiritual life. I will read, meditate on God’s word, and put it into practice.
PRAYER: Father God, thank
you for the Bible, which is the infallible, soul-refreshing Word of God that
answers all my questions. Jesus, help me to hear your words every day and live
accordingly. Holy Spirit, give me your
strength and wisdom to remain and grow in my spiritual life by the power of the
Word of God today and always. Amen.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
Day – 329
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